Sportmaster will be the first Russian retailer to venture in China when it opens its first store there in 2014.

The sporting goods retailer plans to open shops sized between 35,000 and 100,000 sqft, apparently unconcerned at the flagging performances of local sports chains which are posting losses and culling store networks.

To support its expansion into China, Sportmaster has partnered with Nanyang Technological University of Singapore to create an innovation centre.

The centre is Sportmaster’s first foray into sports equipment research and development. It will focus on developing a full range of innovative sports apparel and equipment for sale in Sportmaster’s retail chain of 368 stores in more than 80 cities worldwide.

“Sportmaster is a sustainable company with a stellar reputation in the market. Our mission is to provide customers with up-to-date sports technology and quality products at affordable prices,” said Sportmaster GM Dmitry Barkov.